Slovenian model Melania Knauss was widely recognized as a
celebrity judge for the Miss USA contest in 2003. Gaining her
initial success in Europe, Melania was showcased in such fashion
magazines as GQ, Front, and FHM, as well as graced numerous runways.
She also posed for jeweler Charles & Covard in their printed ads
in fashion magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair.

5' 11" inches tall Melania was hailed as one of Celebrity
Sleuth's 25 Sexiest Women of 2001. Her private life has also made
headlines. She was extensively noticed for her long-time romantic
flame with American business mogul, real estate tycoon Donald Trump,
whom she later married on January 22, 2005.

Glamorous Rite

Childhood and Family:

Melanija Knavs was born on May 6, 1974, in Maribor, Yugoslavia.
She is the daughter of an Austrian father and a Slovenian mother.
Melania was raised in a comfy-life and well-educated family. In
order to gain success in her future, Melania spent her growing years
reading books.

In 1999, Melania met American business owner Donald Trump (born on
June 14, 1946) and the couple became engaged in April 2004. One year
later, on January 22, 2005, the pair exchanged wedding vows in a
closed ceremony at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda by the Sea in
West Palm Beach, Florida, which was followed by a reception held at
Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. The wedding ceremony became probably the
most extravagant ceremony of the year.

The Apprentice Beauty

Career:

Melania began modeling in homeland Europe after graduating from
high school, but finding few jobs, she decided to try her luck in the
United States. Things went better in the new location and with her
unique physical assets, sense of humor, and confidence, she managed
to catch the attention of designers and magazines.

Melania debuted her American modeling in the late 1990s. After
appearing in a small watch company advertisement, she landed a job
with Panasonic modeling for the company's commercials on television
and found herself walking the runways for local lingerie designers.

1999 would change Melania's fate when she encountered renowned
businessman Donald Trump at a fashion event. The two broke the age
difference and went on their romantic story. Following the hype of
their relationship, Melania was asked to do a pictorial photo shoot
for Allure magazine and gained more attention for boyfriend Trump and
herself.

After The Howard Stern Radio Show asked the couple to do an
interview, British GQ magazine showcased Melania stripped in Trump's
private jet in their cover of the January 2000 issue. In the next
year, she was listed at No. 9 on Celebrity Sleuth's 25 Sexiest Woman
of 2001 and reportedly split from Trump.

Magazines such as FHM and Front tempted Melania to appear on their
pages. Melania also appeared in Vogue and Vanity Fair printed ads as
the model for jeweler Charles & Covard. Additionally, boyfriend
Trump had asked her to be a celebrity judge for his Miss USA Pageant
in 2003.

Tying her name with successful Trump, Melania did not
significantly need modeling jobs. Instead, she enjoys living in the
glitzy life style, attending such prestigious events as the 2004
Academy Awards and showcased as a guest in several episodes of
Trump's reality series The Apprentice. She also recently appeared in
Fashion Week Diaries.

More recent, Mrs. Trump was reportedly featured in the insurance
company Aflac TV commercials, which debuted on May 2, 2005.
Commenting on her current job, Melania said, "I am very excited
to make my acting debut in the latest Aflac commercial... Donald is
known for saying 'You're fired,' maybe I will be known for saying
'Aflac.' "